We'll we're back, and sleeping again in our own beds. The trip was fabulous. First and foremost, of course, was the great chance to meet Shirley, Dave and Shaun, andtheir familes. We all had a great time.
We got in to London Friday, tenish, and after taking an hour to get out of Heathrow, got to our hotel around noon. After lunch and a nap, we headed down to Regent street, to do some looking. Shops were packed, particularly Hamleys. And are they expensive! Didn't get a thing there. Walked around Carnaby street, then took a cab to Ye Olde Chesire Cheese for dinner. Great historic, traditional meal. Next to the fireplace in an old room. Loved it.
Saturday, Pat and Emmy did a Shakesheare tour, while I did the toy show. then met up at the British Museum for another tour. Person was just okay. You ever want to know anything about an Assyrian king killing lions, I'm your guy. We both left the tour early. Saturday was more traditional British food, Pizza Hut.
Sunday, before the meet, we took a walking tour of Hampstead. Very nice, but would have been more enjoyable if it was the slightest bit WARM. Emmy kept counting the days to WDW.
Again, a wonderful meet with our friends, then back to the hotel, nap, and more traditional British food, Pizza Hut once more. Least it was a different one.
We were told Sunday about the crowds coming into central London on Monday for the parade for the Rugby team, and sort of were able to avoid most of it. (Wait to you read the rest of the story!)
We headed first to the Dicken's museum, right by our hotel, then over to the Tower of London for a while. Great Beefeater. Good stories, everything. Right out of central casting. Had lunch there, then back on the train over towards Knightsbridge, to visit Harrods. Actually bought a few small gifts, then had 'tea' there.
Left there headed towards a small toy soldier shop.
Now, we were following a map, and doing okay, but not quite sure where we were to turn off, so, as we are walking down Park Lane, we come to the Hilton, where there are a few policeman, who are directing and diverting traffic. As I'm starting to ask one directions, here comes a motorcade. So, we step back on the curb so as to get out of the way, and not get run over. Well, the buses have to stop right where we are to make the curve. So, who do you think it was but the Rugby team. Sitting in their buses with the trophy. So we waved and they waved back. Emmy got some great pictures. These will shortly be availabe for purchase here on this site for the ridiculusly low price of......
There was a young English girl who happened to walk up while we were standing there, and took after running after the buses to the hotel after they went past us. She was stunned to be that close. As a side note, after seeing the TV news Monday night, and the papers yesterday, we thought there might be a mention of it in Chicago papers yesterday. Nope.
Anyhow, after the shop, we headed up to Oxford street, and the
Disney store. Do you know they have a live Father Christmas/Santa in the window?
Then over to Selfridges for a few more gifts, then dinner at some very nice little Italian place a block or so away.
Yesterday, we were up early to grab breakfast and the bus to Heathrow. Figuring that 3 hours would be plenty of time we planned to do a bit more shopping at the airport. Looking at the bus schedule, we were supposed to arive an hour or more before our flight. BUT, it took over 2 hours to get to the airport, half of that which must have been the last 3 or four miles. It was terrible. I'm sure anyone of you who have driven into that airport knows what I mean. It is so disorgnaized, I'm amazed that any of the planes leave with people on them.
So, of course, as we finally get in line to start checking in, they announce our flight is closed for check in! Luckily we were able to get on the next, which was only two hours later. And to get three seats together. Then, of course, it was an hour late in taking off.
Flight was very good, but we get to Chicago, and it was so foggy that we didn't know we were even close to the ground till we heard and felt the bump as the tires touched down.
THEN, it was rainy and rush hour. So, another two hours and some to get home.
But, we are here, and safe, and warm. Thanks everyone for all the tips, and encouragement, and for the meet Sunday. We'll have to do it again soon,
Joe
...... and we missed Tim too - we kept watching for you.
! And you want photos????????? May I just say ...... ladybirds and oranges ..... need I say more 
